Courtenay library book returned after 30 years to Prince George branch

CBC

A library patron with a guilty conscience has returned a book he borrowed three decades ago, along with some cash to cover the overdue fees.

The man, whose identity has not been released, recently dropped off the errant copy of "Camping and Woodcraft" carefully wrapped in yellow flagging tape at the Prince George Public Library.

Spokesperson Andrea Palmer say along with $100 to cover late fees, the gentleman also tucked a note inside

"This book had been borrowed from the Courtenay Library 30 years ago. I wish to return the book and pay the overdue fines," said the note.

Palmer says while it's unusual for the library to receive a book that's so overdue, they are grateful for the donation and both the book and donation have already been sent to the original library on Vancouver Island.

"He's very diligent. And we're thrilled to be able to pass this on to Courtenay," said Palmer.

While it's impossible to verify exactly when it was taken out, Palmer says the book was published in 1965.

"The book itself is great," she said. "It's clearly been well-loved."

A UBC professor recently returned a book he checked out nearly 50 years ago to a library at Belfast University.